Cranes can be very dangerous if they are not functioning properly or if the operator makes an error. There are many reasons a crane can pose a threat to those nearby this heavy piece of machinery. The effects can be devastating for victims. Property damage, serious injury, and even death are not uncommon in crane accidents.
If you or someone you love was affected by a crane accident that you believe was caused by a third party, you might be eligible for compensation. Speaking with a Los Angeles crane accident lawyer could help you determine if you have a case. Call (800) 529-9122 to speak with a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm and learn more about your legal options today.
Types of Cranes
There are many different types of cranes, and technology is constantly evolving. Some are fixed in place, while others are mobile and built upon vehicles.
Familiarizing yourself with the variations of cranes can help you know if you have a case. Some common types of cranes include:
- Hammerhead: Hammerhead cranes are large pieces of equipment consisting of a horizontal lever resting atop a fixed tower.
- Telescope: Telescope cranes, which are sometimes fixed on a vehicle, have a long arm that can contract and extend to reach a variety of heights. For this reason, these types of cranes are highly adaptable.
- Tower: Tower cranes are extremely tall and typically used for the construction of tall buildings.
- Bulk-Handling: Bulk-handling cranes are used for the transport of large amounts of sometimes heavy materials. They are equipped with a bucket-like mechanism that allows for maximum volumes of a material to be moved, such as salt or gravel.
The Dangers of Crane Accidents
Any piece of large, moving equipment can create a tremendous amount of force and lead to devastating accidents. Some of the effects of crane accidents on construction workers include:
- Property Loss: This can include damage to a building under construction, a pre-existing structure, a vehicle, other construction equipment, and anything adjacent to a construction site. Because cranes often have a large width of reach, there is a tremendous range of property they can damage even beyond construction sites.
- Personal Injury: Personal injuries from crane accidents can be minor or severe. Some victims may be treated on-site and walk away without serious injury. Others could require immediate medical attention. Sometimes, pain and injury can begin after an accident occurs. For example, some people who think they are physically fine after an accident can experience related pain down the road.
- Death: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),between 2011 and 2017, there were nearly 300 fatalities due to crane accidents.The majority of fatalities were caused by a worker being struck by an object, the crane itself, or falling debris from a construction site. It is the sad reality that crane accidents can sometimes be fatal.
For a free legal consultation with a Crane Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 529-9122
Causes of Crane Accidents
Crane accidents can be caused by many different factors, sometimes a combination of several factors contribute to an accident.
External factors, such as weather, also sometimes contribute to accidents. Because cranes are large and suspended high above the ground, high winds can affect their ability to operate safely. If a crane is being used when weather conditions are hazardous, this is not safe for anyone.
Mechanical failure can also lead to crane accidents. Cranes are essentially machines, and like all machines, they require regular maintenance and properly functioning parts. If a crane does not behave like an operator is expecting it to, erratic movements can occur that are unpredictable and dangerous.
If you have reason to believe the crane failed because of an issue caused by the manufacturer, maintenance business, or another third-party, an attorney might be able to help you hold them accountable to pay for the expenses related to your injuries. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we believe victims should never have to pay for the costs of injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, and we want to help you.
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Recoverable Compensation
Victims of crane accidents are sometimes eligible for compensation, depending on the circumstances. Every accident is different, and figuring out who was at fault for an accident can determine if you have a case. If another party was negligent or failed to act appropriately, they could be partially to blame for your suffering.
Some victims are able to recover for lost wages due to inability to work, reimbursement for medical expenses and ongoing treatment, compensation for vehicle damage or property loss, punitive damages, and much more.
Whether you are a construction worker, supervisor, or another employee, if you are considering taking legal action, consider consulting with a Los Angeles crane accident lawyer. It could be beneficial to you and your family.
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Understanding Your Options
If you were injured or experienced property loss due to a crane accident, your life could be turned upside down. During this uncertain time, you could have legal options available to you. If you believe that another party was involved or at fault for your accident, contact a Los Angeles crane accident lawyer today.
The statute of limitations for personal injury in California is two years from the date of the accident, according to the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to discuss your case and help you determine the best course of action. Call (800) 529-9122 today to learn more about your legal options. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay us nothing out of pocket or upfront. We only take our payment when your case results in an award. In other words, there is no risk to you by calling us today.
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